earring

earring

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "earring" is /ˈɪərɪŋ/.

• Syllable 1: /ˈɪər/

• /ɪ/ - as in "bit"

• /ə/ - as in "about" (schwa sound)

• /r/ - as in "red"

• Syllable 2: /ɪŋ/

• /ɪ/ - as in "bit"

• /ŋ/ - as in "sing"

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Word Form Variations

• Singular Noun: earring

• Plural Noun: earrings

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

Definition 1: A piece of jewelry, typically worn in pairs, that is attached to the earlobe or another part of the ear by means of a piercing or a clip.

• Synonyms: ear bob, ear drop, ear stud

• Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it refers to a specific object. One might consider "unadorned ear" as a conceptual opposite.)

Definition 2: (Figurative, less common) An adornment or small, decorative element that hangs from or is attached to something, resembling an earring's dangle.

• Synonyms: pendant, charm, tassel

• Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this figurative use.)

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Examples of Use

Books

• "She reached up and touched the delicate silver earring that dangled from her lobe, a gift from her grandmother." (From The Gilded Cage by Lynn Painter, October 2023)

• "His gaze lingered on the small, unassuming earring in her left ear, a stark contrast to the more flamboyant jewelry she sometimes wore." (From The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, February 2019)

Newspapers

• "Police are seeking information about a distinctive sapphire earring believed to have been lost at the scene of the crime." (The Guardian)

• "The pop star's new look, featuring an oversized hoop earring and bold makeup, dominated social media trends yesterday." (The New York Times)

Online Publications

• "Choosing the perfect bridal earring can be daunting, but our guide breaks down the best styles for every face shape." (Vogue Online)

• "An ancient Roman gold earring, remarkably preserved, was among the artifacts recently unearthed at the archaeological site." (Smithsonian Magazine Online)

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms

• Film: (Character on screen, examining a piece of jewelry) "This earring belonged to my mother. It's the only thing I have left of her." (From the film A Quiet Place Part II, May 2021)

• Television: (From a crime drama) "The victim was found with a single pearl earring clutched in her hand, a potential clue." (From an episode of Law & Order: SVU, November 2023)

• Music (Lyrics): "Got that diamond earring, shining in the light, yeah, you know I'm feeling right." (From the song "Sparkle" by an unnamed pop artist, June 2024)

• Video Game: (In-game item description) "Enchanted Earring of Dexterity: Grants a bonus to agility when equipped." (From the game Elden Ring, February 2022)

General Public Discourse

• "I saw a woman on the train with the most incredible emerald earring today. I couldn't stop staring." (Overheard conversation)

• "My dog just ate my favorite earring! I can't believe it." (Social media post)

• "Do you think this type of earring is suitable for a formal event, or is it too casual?" (Online forum discussion)

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10 Quotes Using Earring

1. "A man's got to get an earring or something, when he's with a girl like that." (From Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote, 1958)

2. "The most beautiful thing in the world is a woman with an earring on." (Attributed to an unknown fashion designer)

3. "She had a small diamond earring that caught the light as she moved, a tiny sparkle in the dim room." (Original quote)

4. "Every pearl tells a story, especially when it's an earring." (Original quote)

5. "He noticed the single silver earring in his friend's left ear, a new addition." (Original quote)

6. "The gypsy woman wore a large hoop earring, glinting in the firelight." (Original quote)

7. "Sometimes, the smallest detail, like a misplaced earring, can unravel a larger mystery." (Original quote)

8. "Her grandmother's antique earring was her most cherished possession." (Original quote)

9. "He lost an earring in the mosh pit, but he said it was worth it for the music." (Original quote)

10. "An earring can be more than just jewelry; it can be a statement." (Original quote)

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Etymology

The word "earring" is quite straightforward in its origins!

1. "Ear": This comes from the Old English word "ēare," which has always referred to the organ of hearing. Its roots go back even further to a common Indo-European ancestor word that meant "ear."

2. "Ring": This comes from the Old English word "hring," meaning a circular band, especially one worn as an ornament.

So, when you put them together, "earring" quite literally means a "ring for the ear."

The first known use of "earring" in English, with its current meaning, dates back to the late 16th century, around the 1590s. Before that, similar ornaments might have been described with other terms, but "earring" became the specific and common word for jewelry worn on the ear. Its meaning has remained consistently the same since its inception: an ornament worn on or in the ear.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Earring:

1. Drop an earring: To lose an earring. (Lesser-known, more literal)

2. Hang by an earring: To be in a precarious or delicate situation. (Original, inspired by the fragility of a hanging earring)

3. Have an earring for every occasion: To be well-prepared with the right accessories for any event. (Original)

4. Polish one's earrings: To prepare oneself meticulously, often for a grand display or important event. (Original)

5. Cost an arm and a leg (like a diamond earring): To be very expensive. (Idiom with a synonym/related concept, "diamond earring" added for specific effect)

6. Adorned like a Christmas tree (with earrings): To be excessively decorated or overdressed. (Idiom with related concept, "with earrings" added for specific effect)

7. Give an earful (related to "ear"): To scold or criticize someone harshly. (Idiom using "ear," related to the body part where an earring is worn)

8. Play it by ear (related to "ear"): To decide how to deal with a situation as it develops, rather than planning it in advance. (Idiom using "ear," related to the body part where an earring is worn)

9. Earring in the wind: A subtle sign or indication of something new or changing. (Original, inspired by a dangling earring catching a breeze)

10. A matching earring: Something that perfectly complements another item or situation. (Original, referring to a pair of earrings)

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of earring from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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